The short version
You do not need an account to use the postcode check. We do not store the postcodes you search or the details you enter about a building. If you sign up for email updates, your email address is held by our email provider, Mailchimp.
Postcode searches
When you check a postcode, your browser sends the postcode, or the map position of the pin, directly to the public data services that supply the report: postcodes.io, the British Geological Survey (ogcapi.bgs.ac.uk and map.bgs.ac.uk) and Forest Research’s map service hosted by Esri ArcGIS Online. Map tiles are loaded from OpenStreetMap. These organisations receive your IP address and the location searched, as with any website request, and handle it under their own privacy policies.
Building details and site trees
Answers about the building and trees you add are processed in your browser only. They are not sent to us or to any data provider, and they are cleared when you leave the page. The downloadable evidence files are created on your device.
Server logs and fonts
Our web host keeps standard access logs (IP address, pages requested, time and browser type) for security and to keep the site running. Fonts are loaded from Google Fonts, which receives your IP address.
Email updates
If you subscribe, we collect your email address, the time you signed up and the website you signed up on (this site). We use them only to send occasional updates about ground risk, property and planning. The mailing list is shared with related property and planning websites run by the same operator. We do not sell it.
The list is held by Mailchimp (Intuit Inc.) as our processor. Mailchimp stores data in the United States under its own safeguards for international transfers and records whether emails are opened and links clicked. See the Intuit privacy statement.
We rely on your consent, given by submitting the form. You can withdraw it at any time with the unsubscribe link in every email. We keep your details while you are subscribed; after you unsubscribe Mailchimp keeps a minimal record so you are not emailed again.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law you can ask for access to, correction or deletion of your personal data, or object to its use. You can do this by replying to any of our emails. You can also complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Cookies
This site does not set cookies. The sign-up form loads a script from Mailchimp to check the form before it is sent.
Last updated 1 November 2026.